cture (we are told by
one historian[131]) an attempt was made at negociation, but it failed;
Henry, in the midst of all his present perils, insisting virtually on
the same terms which he had offered when in safety within the (p. 167)
realm of England.[132]

[Footnote 131: St. Remy.]

[Footnote 132: The statement that Henry offered to
repair all the injury he had done to France, is
deservedly considered unworthy of credit.]

The King assigned to the gallant veteran, Sir Thomas Erpingham, a
friend of Henry, no less venerable for his age than distinguished for
his bravery and military skill, the honourable duty of arraying his
host. He first calmly marshalled the troops, placing the archers
foremost and the men-at-arms behind them; and then, riding in front of
the line, exhorted his brother-warriors in the name of their prince to
fight valiantly. A third time did this aged and fearless knight ride
before the ranks which were stationed to receive the first shock of
the enemy, and if possible to turn back the apparently resistless and
overwhelming tide of battle; and then, having deliberately executed
his commission to the full, he threw up into the air the truncheon
which he held in his hand, shouting, "Now strike!" and, immediately
dismounting, joined the King and his attendants, who were all on foot.
When the soldiers saw the staff in the air, and heard the cry of the
veteran, they raised such a tremendous shout as startled the enemy,
and filled them with amazement.[133]

[Footnote 133: The present reading in Monstrelet,
who details these circumstances with much life and
clearness, reports the word used by the English
warrior to have been "Nestroque," which has been,
with much probability, considered a corruption of
"Now strike!" Whether the word is now read as the
Author wrote it, is very questionable; many French
words in Monstrelet have been mistaken and
corrupted by his copyists.]

It was now approaching mid-day; when Henry, perceiving that the (p. 168)
enemy would not commence the attack, but were waiting either for
reinforcements, or in the hope of compelling him by want of provisions
to surrender, issued the command, "Banners, advance!" His soldiers
fell down